With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor

Monday, March 08, 2010

Steelers sign Battle, Allen

The Steelers made their first foray into the free agent market, signing veterans Arnaz Battle and Will Allen.

Battle (6-1, 208) was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He spent seven seasons with the 49ers and played in 88 career games as a wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner. For his career, Battle has 178 receptions for 2,150 yards and 11 touchdowns as a receiver. In 2009, he was the 49ers primary punt returner with 21 returns for 61 yards and added three kickoff returns for 68 yards.

Allen (6-1, 200) has played all six NFL seasons with Tampa Bay after being drafted by the Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Allen made two starts in 2009 before being placed on the team’s Reserve/Injured List following Week 9. In his six seasons with the Buccaneers, Allen had 63 special teams tackles and was named the team’s special teams captain in 2008. He started 26 games in six years and had 174 career tackles and four interceptions.

We need to draft or sign a backup with starter capability. I'd draft a QB starting in the 4th. Sad that we have to do so, but if Ben misses a game or we cut him, all we have is "Brittle Charlie Batch" and pencil-legs Dixon...

First of all, you don't get "convicted" in a civil trial. A civil trial is just somebody asking for money to compensate them for injury, lost wages etc... The jury doesn't have to vote beyond a reasonable doubt, just a preponderance of the evidence. So basically they just have to believe something happened and they can vote their gut instinct.

I tend to think a backroom deal will be in the works to settle both claims (the 2nd claim hasn't come yet, but it will) and Ben will move on. I don't know how many times this has to happen to him before he quits with his frat boy ways but if he doesn't learn after this then he deserves every bit of misery he finds himself suffering.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review is reporting that Antwaan Randle El just signed with the Steelers and Ryan Clark decided to take the Steeler's offer and stay with the team rather than leaving for the Miami Dolphins.

It's beginning to look like OG/C Maurkice Pouncey or OG/T Iupati are moving up the Steelers draft board. I like it.

Clark coming back doesn't really surprise me. He likes it here and probably doesn't want to start over again.ARE coming back does surprise me. I don't think he has a lot left in the tank, though it was tough to tell with the QB he had throwing to him in Washington.